Wes Streeting expressed his nervousness during his appearance on the show “Loose Women,” admitting it was the most anxious he had ever felt, fearing he might accidentally damage the set. The Health Secretary shared a light-hearted moment, mentioning how he almost toppled the table and revealed he had been battling a severe cold all week.
Streeting, a senior cabinet minister, featured on the ITV daytime program to announce the inclusion of menopause-related questions in NHS health checks for the first time. This change is expected to benefit millions of women in England.
During the interview, Streeting humorously recounted his apprehension about potentially causing a mishap on set, stating he had taken precautions to ensure he could make it through the appearance unscathed. Host Jane Moore playfully remarked that his nervousness stemmed from his care for the topic.
Addressing the importance of the initiative, Streeting emphasized the need to support women experiencing menopause, highlighting the silent struggles they endure. He stressed the significance of providing visibility and assistance to those navigating through menopause and perimenopause, underscoring the government’s commitment to reforming women’s healthcare.
Menopause occurs when hormone levels decrease, leading to the cessation of periods typically between the ages of 45 and 55. The transitional phase known as perimenopause can extend for several years before a woman’s final menstrual cycle. NHS health checks target individuals aged 40 to 74 every five years to identify those at risk of developing various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and stroke.